Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?

You’re ready to cruise and now it’s time to choose between Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean. However, choosing a cruise line can be tough since both offer a wide variety of itineraries and onboard activities. 

The best option comes down to the type of traveler you are, your budget and who you’re traveling with. By weighing your options, you can confidently book a cruise that works best for you and your loved ones and spend the rest of the time planning the fun bits of your vacation. 

Ready to dive in and discover the unique offerings of these leading cruise lines? Let’s look at what sets them apart, from fleet size to dining experiences.

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When it comes to Carnival cruise vs Royal Caribbean, both lines offer massive fleets. 

Carnival’s cruise line operates a fleet of 28 vessels and many of the brand’s ships are smaller than those operated by Royal Caribbean. But don’t let that fool you. Carnival’s Celebration and Jubilee models can carry over 5,300 passengers. These are known as “Excel-class” fleets and with a 180,000-ton capacity, these boats can handle impressive designs that include extra deck space and roller coasters. 

Their smallest ship, Elation, has a passenger capacity of 2,052 or more. There are nine ship classes and mid-sized options like the Conquest and Dream split the difference between massive crowds and an intimate experience. 

Royal Caribbean takes the cake with its largest ship, Icon of the Seas, carrying 7,600 at full capacity. This cruise vessel, alongside five others, falls into the Oasis-class, known for floating mega-resorts that are so large, they have their own distinct “neighborhoods” for cruisers to enjoy.

Even the brand’s smallest ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, carries a whopping 1,998 passengers and stretches 915 feet long. So even the smallest of ships offers a bigger-than-life experience, with multiple communal spaces, dining venues and cabin options.

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The Carnival Cruise Line primarily focuses on warm-weather locations in the Americas, such as the Caribbean Islands and Mexico. They also cruise in Asia and Europe, with fewer offerings than Royal Caribbean in these regions.

There are many convenient U.S. departure ports for the most popular destinations, including Long Beach, Port Canaveral, Galveston and Miami. For added convenience, Carnival is known for its shorter trips, including options for a weekend getaway. If you need a quick escape or want luxury without the expense of a week at sea, these flexible and convenient routes may be best for you.

Royal Caribbean sails to over 270 destinations. Most routes are through the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with many itineraries for Europe, Asia, Alaska, Australia and Transatlantic voyages. The line also sails to private locations such as CocoCay and Labadee islands. 

Shorter trips are less common on Royal Caribbean’s fleets, but are available for the weekend cruiser. The line excels in offering a wider range of length options. Their most extended cruise, the Ultimate World Cruise, is a 274-night journey. Itineraries are often focused on bucket-list attractions, such as Rome’s Colosseum or Bora Bora’s vibrant coral reefs. This means the line is best for adventure seekers who want more flexibility with a cruise’s duration. 

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Carnival’s vessels are bright, fun and modern, with playful elements that make it a kid-friendly cruise. No ship feels too formal, except for the Venezia and Firenze fleets, adorned with fresco art and Romanesque statues for a regional flair. 

All Carnival ships offer pools, a water park, sports-based recreational areas and a fitness room. Live entertainment, including live music, stand-up comedy and karaoke parties, happens every night. Youthful cruisers can join Camp Ocean for age-appropriate crafts and activities. Infant babysitting services are available, as well as teen zones for young adults. 

Royal Caribbean designed a “neighborhood” concept for a better navigational experience. Passengers can enjoy a variety of immersive designs and activities throughout the ship, perfect for families fending off boredom on those long days at sea. Think indoor gardens, high-tech pods and adventure zones for high-adrenaline activities. 

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers similar amenities as Carnival, including pools, sports courts, childcare and teen zones. Each ship also has surf simulators, rock climbing and outdoor movies. The SeaPlex multi-activity space can accommodate even more activities, such as bumper cars, circus school and roller skating. Select ships offer exceptional signature experiences, such as a skydiving simulator and an observation pod for enjoying the night sky in comfort. 

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When cruising with Carnival, you can expect between 15 and 40 excursion options per port, so there’s no shortage of things to do. These tours include ecological adventures, cultural tours or visits to pristine beaches. Carnival guarantees it will wait for all passengers before setting sail, so there’s no risk of getting left behind. 

Your fare doesn’t include excursions, so be ready to pay for them à la carte. The most affordable off-shore trips start at $35 per person. Higher-end or full-day options cost $200 or more per passenger. You can book these before departure or during your cruise. Tour groups typically accommodate between 10 and 40 guests.

Royal Caribbean is your best bet if you prefer a wide variety of offshore excursions. They typically offer between 60 and 80 tours at each port. You’ll find adventurous options like snorkeling and glacier trekking or you can enjoy cultural deep dives in historic cities and UNESCO sites. Multi-generational trips are also widely available for families seeking accessibility. 

If you’ve booked your excursion directly through Royal Caribbean, the ship will wait for your return to depart. If it runs late due to weather or traffic conditions, Royal will wait or offer complimentary transportation to the next port.

Like Carnival, Royal Caribbean’s cruise fares don’t include excursions, so you will need to pay for them separately. Costs start at $40 and can rise to over $650 per person per off-shore experience. High-end experiences, such as helicopter rides, can cost over $1,000. This is the better choice for those who want more tours, with a stronger focus on luxurious selections. 

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All Carnival Cruise ships have a main dining room with multi-course meals available three times a day, as well as The Lido Marketplace Buffet. Both establishments are included in your fare. Guy’s Burger Joint is also included on Carnival’s entire fleet and cruisers can grab complimentary tacos at BlueIguana Cantina on most ships. Approximately 24 ships host a fee-based premium steakhouse and may have more options depending on your fleet. 

All non-alcoholic drinks come with your fare, but alcoholic and specialty drinks are purchased individually or within a drink package. 

If you're looking for drinks outside of the restaurant, there are lounges and bars dotted throughout each ship, including the esteemed Alchemy Bar (not available on Venezia, Firenze and Paradise ships) and fleet-wide Piano Bar. They offer craft cocktails and nightly live entertainment, a perfect nightcap or midday stop. 

Royal Caribbean offers a complimentary dining room for all three meals and the Windjammer Buffet, a popular spot for à la carte options fleet-wide. On select ships, you can also find pizza, hot dog stands and cafes. 

All ship classes feature a Chops Grille Steakhouse and Izumi Sushi station or express counter as premium options. Royal Caribbean offers more high-end dining options than Carnival, with other specialty restaurants available on a ship-by-ship basis. 

Water, coffee, tea, lemonade, fruit punch and milk are all included in the base fare. Soda and alcohol are additional expenses. You can opt for a soda package, a refreshment package or a deluxe beverage package. They come at various price points and give cruisers an option to enjoy an all-inclusive drink package customized to their needs. 

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When choosing between Carnival and Royal Caribbean, the price is one of the most important factors. 

Carnival offers more affordable itineraries, with a three-night cruise to the Bahamas starting at $154 per person. Fares climb up to $17,000 for the 29-night Transpacific route aboard the Luminosa fleet. Despite this vast range, Carnival cruisers regularly pay less overall. 

Royal Caribbean’s line focuses on upscale offerings and onboard amenities, which is reflected in a higher base fare. A three-night cruise from Miami to CocoCay aboard the Freedom of the Seas fleet costs $483 per person. Their 274-night-long Ultimate World Cruise begins at $59,999, with six-figure costs for a suite cabin.

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Carnival is where the party’s at and all ages are invited. This means it’s a great cruise line for kids and families and has some of the best cruises for teens, since they offer dedicated young-adult stations on the ship. Young families, in particular, appreciate the affordable rates, which help keep the price down for larger groups on a budget. However, budget-conscious couples and solo travelers can also enjoy low fares. 

Royal Caribbean caters to the adventure seeker, with its outsized network of offshore excursions. When choosing between Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival, consider the demographic of your group. If your crew ranges from newborns to seniors, Royal Caribbean has the best multigenerational options designed for all ages and physical abilities. It has a slightly higher-end feel while maintaining a fun atmosphere, making it one of the best cruise lines for adults who want an extra splash of luxury.

Need more help choosing between a Royal Caribbean vs. a Carnival cruise? Here are additional answers:

Carnival is generally more affordable, due to its overall low fares and high availability of short-term cruising options. Take advantage of one of the cruise line’s seasonal promotional offers for a bigger discount.

Royal Caribbean is slightly more expensive but may be a better value. It offers more robust amenities onboard, such as surf simulators and onboard skating rinks. It also focuses on innovative technological offerings, such as virtual balconies on select ships, to enhance the luxury of its cabins. 

Carnival offers numerous amenities for passengers under 18, making it an excellent choice for teens. You can expect programs designed for children of all ages, with Circle “C” for younger teens and Club O2 catering to older teenagers.  

However, Royal Caribbean’s focus on multigenerational activities means that there will be plenty of teen-appropriate activities onboard, such as zip lining, escape rooms and youth lounges. 

Carnival offers casual fan-favorite dining options, including Guy’s Burger Joint, a pizzeria and Swirls ice cream. There’s a wide variety of complimentary dining options with the option to upgrade to premium experiences like The Chef’s Table or a steakhouse. 

Royal Caribbean offers simpler complimentary dining options, including a main dining room, the Windjammer buffet and a cafe. It instead focuses on its premium dining options on select fleets, featuring immersive specialty dinners and upscale eateries such as Izumi Sushi and the Chops Grille Steakhouse. 

Choosing between Carnival vs Royal Caribbean cruises can be challenging when both have such great offerings, but they cater to two distinct audiences. 

Carnival is generally catered to down-to-earth, fun-forward and wallet-friendly travel. Royal Caribbean is the way to go for those who want more bells and whistles, including extended off-shore excursion options and premium dining choices.

Whichever you choose, booking a cruise is always easier with the support of a specialist. AAA members have access to insider perks, deep discounts and priority support. Sign up today and contact one of our representatives and we can help you take one step closer to securing an unforgettable cruise.